Russians cannot be more Armenian than Armenians themselves – Nikolay Silayev

Nikolay Silayev, a leading research fellow at the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO University, spoke to Alpha News about the new US national security strategy, its impact on relations with Europe and Russia, the progress of negotiations on Ukraine, and Russia’s attitude toward the Armenian government’s commitment to European integration and Yerevan’s rapprochement with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

According to the expert, the Armenian leadership has long combined criticism of Russia with maintaining beneficial ties.

“Armenia remains a member of the EAEU, but the law on aspirations for EU membership is still largely declaratory. Armenia is taking certain steps to distance itself in the security sphere—it has ceased participating in the CSTO and partially reduced the Russian military presence—but legally, no drastic decisions have been made yet. One could say that Armenia is ‘waiting in the wings,’ observing Europe without taking a definitive step either way. The leadership believes this course serves its interests: on the one hand, flirting with the West, on the other, maintaining the benefits of ties with Russia. For Moscow and international observers, this is a familiar picture: a multi-vector policy that has been ongoing for several years, and this is nothing particularly new. Overall, Armenia’s course, in my opinion, is aimed at gradually moving away from the alliance with Russia. The country’s leadership is apparently burdened by its status as an independent foreign policy player, but at the same time prefers not to tie the country’s fate directly to Russia. Armenia is gradually building relations with Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the European Union, which is showing interest in the country,” Silayev said.

According to the political scientist, continuing along this path could lead to Armenia gradually becoming a satellite of Turkey and Azerbaijan.

“This is an important issue not only for Armenia but also for all its neighbors and partners. The Armenian national idea has been a significant factor in international politics in the Caucasus and the Diaspora for many decades. If Armenia rejects this idea, it will also change the approach of other countries to its foreign policy. An example is the agreement with Azerbaijan: if it is signed and ratified in its current form, Armenia will effectively cede part of its sovereignty. The same applies to the construction of the ‘Trump Route,’ which affects the external border of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The Armenian authorities have not yet discussed this issue with their EAEU partners, and violating the customs border will inevitably provoke reactions from their allies. At the same time, it is important to understand that Russians cannot be more Armenian than Armenians themselves. We can express our opinions, which, as I understand, are welcomed by official Yerevan, but we are not in a position to make key political decisions for Armenian society,” Silayev concluded.